Directions To See A Ghost
by The Black Angels
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. AllMusic
    70
    This is the sort of psychedelia that space rockers and Nuggets fans alike can come together over.
  2. Pitchfork
    61
    If you isolate any random 45 seconds of Directions to See a Ghost's 70 minutes, you'll definitely be compelled to listen for another few minutes--after which time you'll probably start waiting for a solo or a shift in tone that might not even come.
  3. PopMatters
    80
    Some progression and distinction from "Passover" to Directions to See a Ghost is discernable over the unremitting low-end vibrations, some tweaks to the combustive chemistry as it was previously established.
  5. The A.V. Club
    75
    It's kind of samey, sure--but in a formalist genre, that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
  6. Magnet
    80
    Musically, all the touchstones that made "Passover" so riveting are in place. [Summer 2008, p.96]
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  7. Prefix Magazine
    90
    Its muscular confidence and stylistic purity make it a must-listen for the psychedelically inclined, as well as an easy candidate for one of the best records of the year.
  8. The New York Times
    70
    The songs on the band’s second album, Directions to See a Ghost (Light in the Attic) linger over one chord, perhaps two, and an unswerving beat, which doesn’t mean there’s no variety.
  9. Austin Chronicle
    67
    Whereas "Passover" came wired with explosives, Ghost airs out its thrust with mercenary inevitability.
  10. Billboard
    80
    The breakdowns on songs like "Dee-Ree-Shee" and "You in Color" truly highlight each member's technical and dynamic abilities; the crescendos emphasize their quantum power to make great art as a group.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. CharlieQ.
    Jul 17, 2008
    10
    Some of the very best hard-edged, pure psychedelic drone you're likely to hear this year.
  2. DomH.
    Jun 6, 2008
    9
    Sure, the black angels aren't to everyone's taste, and some may deem them to be an anachronism, but it's hard to deny that Sure, the black angels aren't to everyone's taste, and some may deem them to be an anachronism, but it's hard to deny that what they do, they do well. To the converted, enjoy the shivers that DTSAG will send down your spine.… Full Review »
  3. RogerM.
    Jun 4, 2008
    1
    Repetitive and boring, more of the same like the first record, just without any catchy songs or hooks.
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